Everyone heard about the dog of the spaniel breed. But someone at the same time recalls the Russian eared, which drags ducks from the swamp. Others immediately represent the intelligent cocker spaniel, the true English lord. However, the list does not end there. Today we will consider the varieties of spaniels, how they differ from each other. Good-natured and playful, these creatures win hearts at first sight. They live very well in a city apartment. Of course, subject to regular walks. So, let's begin to get acquainted with the varieties of spaniels.
Breed history
Today they can rightfully be considered the most loyal, intelligent, courageous and beautiful animals on earth. Graceful, graceful and small, they are perfectly adapted for life next to a person. Their story begins with antiquity, when all breeds were divided into 4 groups:
- hounds for big game hunting;
- bloodhounds raising game on the wing;
- watchdogs;
- dwarf.
The second group, which includes waterfowl, includes the founders of the spaniels, but very little information has been preserved. Only from the end of the XIX century there were data on the format of dogs, the features of which have survived until today.
English cocker spaniel
We will start with these charming solar creations, the favorites of children. Their ancestors are Spanish dogs, which were brought to England in the XIV century and used to hunt birds. However, the breeders were not satisfied with the external data of these animals, and they took up work to reduce growth. The dog was supposed to be small, active and hardy.
It is difficult not to pay attention to them, considering hunting varieties. The Cocker Spaniel is considered a model of domestic dogs, despite its past. This is a strong, active and vibrant creature that has a keen sense of flair. An excellent apporter, cocker has a fun character. Independent and independent, they are, nevertheless, very affectionate to their masters. Get along well in small apartments. Luxurious wavy hair is a real decoration for the dog. It requires regular combing, but is hypoallergenic, this is all varieties. The Cocker Spaniel, the photo of which we present for review, is most often red or coffee, less often black. Very elegant creations, with an elongated muzzle, compact format.
American cocker spaniel
A very interesting dog that will become a great companion for your family. This is a direct descendant of the English cocker, but with slight differences. "American" has a compact format and an original head, with a round domed skull. The muzzle is wide and square. The body is strong, the neck is set high, long and muscular.
If you just started to study the varieties of spaniels, then for starters, let's determine the most striking difference between each of them. "Americans" stand out with medium-long hair, most often straight. It is silky to the touch. The color is dark, black, red or coffee. The second most popular variety of all presented at annual exhibitions.
English springer spaniel
There are a lot of hunting breeds today. Even at exhibitions, there are individual judges who specialize exclusively in describing hunters. This is not surprising, only varieties of spaniels can be seen for hours. The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest hunting breeds. It is assumed that the ancestors were water dogs, but the breeders made a huge number of crosses until they came to modern standards.
This is a bold energetic dog, quite large and requiring regular physical exertion. A great companion for a hunter, but can live in an apartment. The only thing you need is long walks. Height at the withers - about 50 cm, weight - 22 kilograms. The body is square, the neck is muscular, without folds. The muscles are well developed. The head is of medium length, the skull is wide, the muzzle is quite deep. This is a short-haired spaniel. Species of the breed have similar features, but still each of them is unique. The coat is dense, straight, adjacent, slightly elongated on the belly and legs. Color coffee with white or black with white.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
If you are not a specialist in cynology or a professional breeder of hunting breeds, then it will be quite difficult to determine by eye where English and where Welsh is. For a long time they were conducted as one breed, and were divided only in the 20th century. This variety is a "lite" version of the Englishman. Growth - about 46 cm, and weight - about 17 kg. We will not describe the character and habits separately, because there are no fundamental differences. The color is dark red with white.
Wachtelhund
A dog of German origin, which is practically not common outside of Germany. This is another type of spaniel. The dog is quite large, up to 54 cm at the withers, weighing about 20 kg. A wonderful hunter who works in any area, even in a swampy and wooded area. Very well pursues game on a bloody trail. However, he lives in an apartment, provided that the owner often goes to nature and goes for a walk in it.
The color is brown or brown, the coat is long, dense and wavy. The body is long and strong, the neck is strong, without folds, the lower back is short. Their head is dry, the skull is flat. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is weakly expressed. A bit like a setter.
Clumber spaniel
And again, most of you will say that for the first time you hear such a name. Species of dogs of the spaniel breed are known mainly in narrow circles of breeders and passionate hunters. Clambers are almost exclusively the inhabitants of England; there are only a few outside it. Being land, they are perfect for hunting pheasants in park conditions.
Dogs are about 48 cm tall and weigh 34 kg; they are quite dense. The back of the torso is very powerful, and the stomach is tucked up. The head is massive, large, with a pronounced occipital protuberance. The skull is wide, the muzzle is square. The coat is thick and dense, silky, straight. Color is most often light, white or light red. It is recommended to keep it in the countryside, it requires space and exercise to maintain good shape. It should be brushed regularly, otherwise the wool is very easy to care for. It does not require additional bathing, in addition to what it receives in natural reservoirs during the hunt.
Coikerhondier
This is a Dutch spaniel. Species of the breed from the photo are somewhat surprising, are there really so many of them? Yes, although in Russia the majority are not found. This is a fairly old breed, the translation of the name of which sounds like a “crab”. That is, it is traditionally a hunter for this particular bird. Small and compact, it reaches only 30 cm at the withers, and weight - 10-15 kg. Very hardy, they are not afraid of cold and damp weather. A wonderful companion who is fond of all family members. They get along poorly in an apartment, as they need a lot of physical activity. But if you are ready to take hours-long walks every day, then even the conditions of a small size will normally transfer.
Sussex spaniel
Considering the varieties of spaniels with photos, you can make sure that they all have similar features. Moreover, most of the breed lines are from England. This graceful dog was the result of a cross between a springer and a clamber, and is intended for hunting partridges and pheasants. Like her ancestors, she is very demanding on physical exertion. The height at the withers reaches 40 cm, weight - about 22 kg.
The body is massive and somewhat stretched, the neck is long and strong. The head is large, the skull is wide, domed. The eyes are large, almond-shaped. The coat is thick and straight with a dense undercoat. The color is golden brown or bronze.
Field spaniel
Field Spaniels are descendants of the cockers, and a separate line was drawn with the aim of obtaining a dog of a pure black color. This was never achieved, but already in 1892 these dogs received recognition as a separate breed. The height at the withers is about 45 cm, and the weight is from 18 to 25 kilograms.
The body is stretched, strong. The neck is long and muscular. The head is long, not wide, like the muzzle. Ears are hanging, set low enough. The coat is long, shiny, silky, completely devoid of any curls. Thick undercoat perfectly protects from bad weather. The color is solid, black or fawn. Suitable for living in the countryside, a great companion for the hunter. In urban conditions, it gets along quite well with sufficient attention and walks. This is a hallmark of all spaniels; they love space and freedom of movement.
Irish Water Spaniel
Today it is the last breed that we will consider. This is the oldest variety of hunting breeds, and also the rarest on the whole earth. Today, interest in her wakes up again, but it is too early to talk about rebirth. In appearance it is a mixture of a royal poodle and a spaniel or labrador. But the latter today ousted the Irish, taking their place on the hunt and at home. The dog is distinguished by growth, it reaches 61 cm at the withers, as well as a fair weight, up to 30 kg. This breed does not fade and has no smell, but on this the advantages of home maintenance end. Dogs do not see themselves without hunting and can run kilometers every day. Therefore, for urban content are not suitable. But on the hunter's compound, they can show themselves in the best way, since they take not only waterfowl, but also a hare and a fox.
Instead of a conclusion
Despite some external differences, all spaniels are descendants of the same dogs. Over the long years of selection, each of these breeds has acquired some features that are unique to it. Today you can consider the varieties of spaniels with photos and descriptions and compare them with each other. But clearly shared traits that are common to all these dogs. This is an irrepressible thirst for activity, activity and mobility. To lock any spaniel in the apartment of one is tantamount to death. This is especially true for young dogs, although until their very old age they will call you for a run every day. For busy people who do not like to spend time on the street, they are completely unsuitable. It is impossible to satisfy a spaniel by simply visiting a walking area. To throw out energy, he needs to run a considerable distance in a rather active mode. The best option would be a bike ride, which will be useful for both the owner and his pet.